With extreme sadness we announce the loss of Robert Thomas Burns "Bob" our devoted, kind and gentle father, who was known to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as " Pa the Great". He passed away peacefully at the age of 97 surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Bob was born in Media, PA, the son of the late Sarah Marie (Deeney) and William Burns.

Bob grew up in West Philadelphia and had numerous jobs including: the post office, giving out programs at Penn Relays and working at Groffs Restaurant in Wildwood. Bob graduated from West Catholic High School and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University. Bob proudly served our nation in the U.S Navy during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S Muliphen.

He met his wife Genevieve at a church dance, and they had many life long memories together. Bob became a Chemical Engineer at Hercules until his retirement. His patience and persistence for making things work led to his ability to fix anything and everything. At any time you could enter his house and there would be diagrams and blueprints of cars, tvs, plumbing and electrical plans. His daily routine included studying Value Line Stock Analysis and following the stock market. He would not admit it, but he loved walking his dog named Winnie. Bob and Genevieve traveled to many places with the Elderhostel Travel Program.

Bob's faith was important to him and showed in his actions, his kindness, and his patience. He was always seen on Sunday at St. John the Beloved mass. He was one of the volunteers who petitioned to obtain a blinking light at the entrance of St. John the Beloved Church. He believed in Catholic education and collected donations for the building of St. Marks High School. He was known for his patience and positive attitude. We never heard him complain and we hope to emulate his kind, gentle spirit. In addition to his parents, Bob was also predeceased by his loving wife, Genevieve (Moloney) Burns in 2018; sisters, Margaret Burns, and Joan Montgomery and brothers William and Joseph.

Bob is survived by his two daughters Mary Williams (George), and Francine Hepler (Jeffrey); and by his son Robert Burns (Cassandra); also nine grandchildren, Sarah, Jake, Eric, Julie, Courtney, Katelynn, Laura, Bryan, and George; eleven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom he all loved.

A visitation for Bob will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, where friends and family may call from 10-11am, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob's name to St. John the Beloved Church.